By Abasi Ita, Calabar
The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) has officially opened a cutting-edge Urology Clinics Block, a significant stride in enhancing specialized healthcare and medical research in Nigeria.
The new facility is dedicated to the memory of Sir (Prof.) Edet Okon Nkposong, widely recognized as Nigeria’s first Urologist, who passed away in 2024 at the age of 94.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony,the Chief Medical Director,UCTH,Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme said the newly commissioned center boasts a spacious waiting lounge, multiple consulting rooms, a dedicated procedure suite, and essential support offices.
According to him “This development marks a pivotal moment for UCTH’s Department of Urology, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to advancing men’s health services.
Prof. Ikpeme emphasized that the center will dramatically improve the hospital’s capacity to manage complex urological conditions, including prostate disorders, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections.
“This facility is a turning point in our mission to offer specialized, patient-focused care. It will also serve as a hub for cutting-edge research in urological medicine,” Prof. Ikpeme stated.
” This is a Hub for Research and Innovation
Beyond its clinical services, the new Urology Block is already facilitating two major international research partnerships focused on prostate cancer.
This positions the facility as a key research base for innovation in men’s health, attracting collaborations that will benefit patients across the region” Ikpeme emphasized
The Nkposong family, present at the inauguration, expressed profound gratitude to UCTH for immortalizing their patriarch’s legacy.
They described the honour as a testament to his lifelong dedication to medical advancement and his role in mentoring countless specialists.
“This tribute is deeply meaningful to our family. It mirrors our father’s passion for saving lives through medical excellence,” a family member shared.
Prof. Nkposong is credited with establishing the foundation for modern urological services in Nigeria and nurturing a generation of specialists who now serve throughout the country.
UCTH believes that naming the clinic after him not only celebrates his profound achievements but also aims to inspire the next generation of medical professionals.
For the UCTH community, the new clinic signifies a leap forward in delivering high-quality, evidence-based urological care, enhancing the institution’s reputation within the West African region.
The initiative is also lauded as a timely response to the increasing burden of prostate cancer and other urological diseases that disproportionately affect men in Nigeria and beyond.
Guests at the ceremony commended the collaborative efforts of the Department of Urology, the Nkposong family, and the hospital management in bringing this vision to fruition.
With this development, UCTH continues to solidify its position at the forefront of specialist healthcare delivery and medical research in Nigeria.